SINCE early 2025, Pal(istan`s relations with the US have taken an upturn after years of mutual disenchantment. Why did the US opt for this reset? And will this bonhomie last? Historically, Pal(istan and the US have come close only when their interests converged. America has preferred a transactional relationship with Pal(istan based on specific issues of its geopolitical agenda.

The recent thaw in ties can, therefore, be better understood in terms of how global geopolitics is evolving. It is no longer a unipolar world led by the US.

Since the dawn of this century, several centres of power have arisen while the US remains entangled in long, distant wars.

The US reliance on its military might to subdue adversaries has taken a heavy toll on America`s world standing.

Into this evolving geometry of global power politics stepped Donald Trump, who has ruptured the trans-Atlantic alliance, pulled bacl( support for Ukraine in its war against Russia, and sought to stabilise America`s ties with China. However, nothing has compromised America`s domestic and international standing more than the recent US-Iran war.

As for Pakistan-US ties, three developments seem to have contributed to the recent thaw. First is Pakistan`s role in countering terrorism. In March 2025, President Trump thanked Pakistan in his State of the Union address to Congress for apprehending the mastermind of a bombing in Kabul on the eve of the US exit from Afghanistan.

Later, Centcom chief Gen Michael Kurilla described Pal(istan to Congress as a `phenomenal partner in the world of counterterrorism`. In June 2025, Trump hosted Pal(istan`s army chief for lunch at the White House. And in August, BLA was designated as a terrorist organisation by the US.

Second, the US, like the rest of the world, saw Pakistan robustly counter Indian aggression in May 2025. The US mediated a ceasefire on May 10. Pakistan acknowledged America`s positive role. New Delhi, on the other hand, was reluctant to acknowledge Trump`s role, even though India itself had asl(ed the US to secure a ceasefire.

Third, Pakistan`s mediatory role in the recent US-Iran conflict has convinced Washington of Pakistan`s important role as a net stability provider in the region.

Meanwhile, America`s distrust of India hasdeepenedbecausethelatterhasbought Russian oil while ignoring US sanctions, and has maintained continued economic ties with China while pretending to be a US partner to counterbalance China. America is no longer convinced that India can be a trustworthy counterweight to China.

How will this reset impact Pakistan`sother key relationship? Islamabad`s close ties with Beijing are not unknown to Washington. The Chinese leadership is also well aware of the strategic nature of SinoPak relations. In an era where cooperation and confrontation coexist, Pakistan has ample space to pursue mutually beneficial relations with both China and the US based on its own national interest.

India is upset at the uptick in Pal(istan`s ties with the US, and its own failure to isolate Pal(istan diplomatically. As for Afghanistan, the US has not shown any interest in it, even as the country is on the cusp of becoming a safe haven for world terrorists. The US is also aware of the fine balance that Pakistan has always maintained in its ties with both Iran and Saudi Arabia.

How should Pakistan use this reset in its relationship with the US, even if it was transactional, for mutual benefit? Several promising areas can be identified: Pal(istan must ensure that its share of flourishing trade with the US is maintained and enhanced. The US offers bright prospectsfor Pal(istan`s young, tech-savvy entrepreneurs, IT exports, startups, software development, growing digital adoption, and e-commerce. American companies should be encouraged to invest in Pal(istan`s shale oilpotential and minerals sector, especially lithium, rare earth elements, and copper crucial for the semiconductor industry, defence technology and robotics, among others. Other promising areas of cooperation include defence, security, and counterterrorism. Agriculture has been a legacy area of cooperation since the 1950s, as have education and public health. However, all this will only be possible if Pakistan addressesits policyandregulatoryhurdles, cost of doing business, security risks, and infrastructureissues.

Today`s Pakistan stands tall as a competent, self-confident power that can contribute to regional peace, stability, and development. However, this window of opportunity may be limited because global geopolitics is constantly evolving. What matters most is making the best use of the recent thaw in Pal(istan-US ties while preserving our other 1(ey relationships, including with China.• The writer is a former ambassador to the US and is currently serving as chairman of the Sanober Institute.